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Why would it be problem to learn both Scala and Clojure. Your friends that struggle with C++ are just begginers, they'll learn over time. If one is really a p

Why would it be problem to learn both Scala and Clojure. Your friends that struggle with C++ are just begginers, they'll learn over time. If one is really a programmer, it's not the language he has to learn, it's concept that can be easily applied to different languages. And the chance is that those concepts are not that distinct or unique, and that you already know some of them. Functional programming, STM, macros, ... nothing new, just 20+ years old repackaged concepts in a new wrapper package (language) and a new API. That being said, go learn either Scala or Clojure. After that, learning the other one will be much easier.

wccrawford 15y ago
I totally agree. While I am a 'true programmer' (it's my job, my hobby, and my love since 4th grade) as soon as Clojure and Scala became popular, I knew I'd end up learning them one day. And when I have a -use- for a language, I learn it on the spot. Learning the basics is stupidly easy once you know 3-4 languages, and learning the quirks comes with time for any language.
tomp 15y ago
They'll learn, but what... They will work in banks, write code using their proprietary frameworks, and be forced to comply with strict coding guidelines, never experimenting, testing the limits of the code, etc... They might even hate coding. True, I can't really speak from experience, as I've learnt to code by myself, from a young age, I wasn't forced or urged to do it, so I have no idea what happens with people that have to learn to program as part of their education/job. However, the professor that was teaching us, who has apparently worked in the industry as well, seemed... limited - mentally - thinking inside the box. That, or he was a very good teacher, taking it very slowly, and boring the hell out of me.
- scott_s 15y ago
  If you know how to do X, and you are in a class where the teacher is teaching how to do X, you will become frustrated and bored.

wccrawford 15y ago

I totally agree. While I am a 'true programmer' (it's my job, my hobby, and my love since 4th grade) as soon as Clojure and Scala became popular, I knew I'd end up learning them one day. And when I have a -use- for a language, I learn it on the spot. Learning the basics is stupidly easy once you know 3-4 languages, and learning the quirks comes with time for any language.

tomp 15y ago

They'll learn, but what... They will work in banks, write code using their proprietary frameworks, and be forced to comply with strict coding guidelines, never experimenting, testing the limits of the code, etc... They might even hate coding. True, I can't really speak from experience, as I've learnt to code by myself, from a young age, I wasn't forced or urged to do it, so I have no idea what happens with people that have to learn to program as part of their education/job. However, the professor that was teaching us, who has apparently worked in the industry as well, seemed... limited - mentally - thinking inside the box. That, or he was a very good teacher, taking it very slowly, and boring the hell out of me.

scott_s 15y ago
If you know how to do X, and you are in a class where the teacher is teaching how to do X, you will become frustrated and bored.